Howard County launches tax program for income eligible citizens

           Tax time doesn't have to be confusing with a new program launched in the County this year. Howard County’s first Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site will be open throughout the 2012 tax season. Like other VITA sites across the country, the Howard County site will offer free tax assistance preparation to most taxpayers who earned up to $49,000 in 2011.  In addition to free tax return preparation, the site will offer free electronic filing. Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper — even faster, when tax refunds are deposited directly into a bank account.
WHERE:
     Howard County VITA
     North Laurel Community Center
     9411 Whiskey Bottom Road
     Laurel, MD 20723
WHEN:
     January 18 to April 14, 2011
HOURS:
     Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 8 pm
     Saturdays from 9am to 3 pm
PAPERWORK NEEDED:

• Photo IDs for taxpayers
• Social Security cards for taxpayers and all depdendants 
• Last year’s Federal and State tax returns
• All W2s, 1099s (interest, dividends, pensions, IRA disbursements, stock sales, etc.)
• Social Security or Railroad Retirement statements
• Alimony received or paid for the year
• If Married Filing Separately, spouse’s SSN ( you must also know whether your spouse is itemizing deductions)
• Concise list of expenses if you wish to itemize
• Property tax records
• Estimated tax payments (Federal and State)
• If you were a 1^st-time home buyer in 2010, you will need to know the purchase price and date of purchase.

Please note: Our tax counselors are volunteers who are trained only to do simple returns for those with low to moderate incomes.  We will not be able to prepare returns involving businesses with employees, complicated K-1s, rentals, or an extensive list of stock sales.
Appointments are encouraged!  Please call 410-313-0386 to make, change or cancel an appointment; or to learn more about VITA.

P.S
For seniors over the age of 60 most senior centers in Howard County offers tax preparation in partnership with AARP.  Contact your local senior center for more information.

P.S. 2

   

Celebrate with the film, Green Fire, and a walk at the Robinson Nature Center.

Sunday, March 4, at 1 pm.

Sponsored by the James and Anne Robinson Foundation.

Here’s your chance to see the award-winning first documentary film ever made about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold. Green Fire features readings from Leopold’s masterpiece, A Sand County Almanac, and stunning historical photos dramatizing his pioneering career in the early Twentieth Century.

 Perhaps even more important, the film introduces viewers to Leopold’s children, grandchildren, researchers, and advocates, who are extending his legacy on behalf of the land and everyone who depends upon it. Leopold's vision of an ethic that respects people and wild nature informs and inspires a growing international community, innovators who are applying Leopold’s vision to environmental challenges we face today. 

Following the film, naturalist Jo Solem will lead interested participants on a walk along the wooded trails surrounding the Nature Center.  Please dress accordingly; the walk will be canceled in case of inclement weather. 

Refreshments will be provided by the Robinson Foundation. 

Pre-registration is strongly recommended. 

DATE: March 4, 2012

TIME:  Film at 1 pm; walk at 2:45 pm

LOCATION: James & Anne Robinson Nature Center

ADDRESS: 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

TICKETS: Film and walk free with paid admission to the Center or RNC Annual Pass

PREREGISTRATION: Please contact the Robinson Foundation  info@robinsonfoundation.org or 240-755-0124

P.S. 3
According to HowChow 
"R&R Taqueria segments on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" airs tonight at 10 pm.  Check your listings for the Food Network. Guy Fieri and the Food Network came through town last fall to film at R&R Taqueria in the Shell Station on U.S. 1 in Elkridge. "